Two Bills Drive

‘The previous week had represented a trying time of reflection for Anthony Becht, the Jets’ second-year tight end who had his worst game as a pro last Monday against the 49ers with three dropped passes and one sack allowed. In yesterday’s 42-36 win over Buffalo, though, Becht was terrific both in his blocking and catching the ball – as if Monday night’s performance never took place.’

‘Yesterday, with the knowledge that American troops had begun a real war in the Middle East, the Jet LBs sought to make their own statement of redemption at Jack Wilson Stadium.’

‘"We’re not the ones that started this, but I’ve got to believe we’ll be the ones to finish it," he said.’

‘The Jets were being the Jets, which means they were sputtering along against what appears to be one of the worst Bills teams of the past 15 years. Moments into the third quarter on a cold, windy day at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Jets were only six points better than the Bills, who are a mere shell of the proud AFC East contender they used to be.’

‘Lewis was not penalized, but the NFL is certain to review the play this week.’

‘After all, they barely defeated a terrible Bills team that is being compared to the worst in franchise history. The 2-14 team of 1985 comes to the mind of many veteran Bills observers.’

‘It was a triumphant return to Buffalo for Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, who spent 10 years with the Bills, including 1998-2000 as their defensive coordinator. He received hearty congratulations from Bills owner Ralph Wilson after the game.’

‘Turns out what the Jets really have is a West Coast defense and the linebackers are their quick-strike playmakers. The linebackers figured if the offense wasn’t going to get in the end zone on its own, they’d show the way.’

‘The Jets are close to awful, especially on defense, at the moment, but the Bills are awful. There is no other rational way to explain four Buffalo turnovers directly leading to 28 points for the Jets, the first three as they mounted a 21-6 lead in the first quarter.’

‘Mo Lewis yesterday racked up his second knockout of a quarterback in the past three games — and this week’s victim, Rob Johnson, thinks it was a cheap shot.’

‘Smartest play: The Bills opened the game with an onside kick by Jake Arians, which was recovered by DB Lance Brown at his own 41. The Bills ended up losing the ball on a fumble by RB Sammy Morris two plays later, but you have to love the aggressive attitude coach Gregg Williams brought into the game.’

‘"That gave us all a jolt," said defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell in his first visit to Buffalo since leaving the Bills to join Edwards’ Jets staff this year. "And we responded very positively. We got the turnover and that helped our offense."’

‘And backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt replaced starter Rob Johnson late in the first quarter and at times looked more comfortable in running the West Coast offense than either Johnson or the Jets’ Vinny Testaverde. The Bills gained 473 yards overall, 376 coming on Van Pelt’s watch.’

‘On the opposite sideline, the other AFC East team with a rookie coach and first-year West Coast attack is searching for answers. The Buffalo Bills fell to 0-4 after their 42-36 defeat to the Jets on Sunday, getting Buffalo off to its worst start since 1985, when Vince Ferragamo was the team’s starting quarterback.’

‘The Bills took solace in that they didn’t give up. The 36 points were one more than they scored in three previous games combined.’